By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
If there’s one thing Camdenton Lady Lakers coach Chris Byington can always count on, it’s his team’s resilient, won’t-quit attitude.
“Our team plays tough,” he said. “We are not afraid to step on the field and give our best effort each day. Already, throughout preseason and off-season workouts, this team will be one that never quits and puts the team before one’s self.”
Camdenton appears to have good talent, too, heading into 2019. Camdenton returns around 10 players with varsity experience.
“Our team has been working on possession and technical ability in order to continue to get better each day,” Byington said.
Camdenton returns its top scorer in junior midfielder Aeryn Kennedy. She’s led Camdenton in scoring since her freshman season.
Kennedy received several honors last season: first team all-conference, conference offensive player of the year and second team all-state.
“We expect her to continue to lead the team with her experience,” Byington said.
Senior midfielders Sasha Prather and Skyler Sweezor and junior defender Abby Bellew also earned all-conference honors.
“Sasha has great experience, great effort and will contribute in the midfield,” Byington said. “Abby’s a tough defender. She will lead our girls in the back and will be someone we count upon daily.”
Sweezor is a returning team captain.
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“She will play a big role in leading the team and our midfield,” Byington said.
Four other juniors return: Stormy Sweezor, Cordelia Dallam, Emme Thompson and Maggie Wayman.
Stormy, the younger sister of Skyler, saw significant varsity playing time as a sophomore and will shift to a forward role this season.
Dallam’s in line to be Camdenton’s starting goalkeeper.
“She’s played club ball and will provide experience in the back,” Byington said.
Thompson returns at defender while Wayman will contribute in the midfield.
“Emme’s made growth in the offseason and will bring experience to our back line,” Byington said. “Maggie was solid for us last year. We expect her to be a leader this year.”
Cambrie Kowal saw varsity playing time as a freshman.
“She’s been working hard in the offseason and has continued to grow each year,” Byington said.
The Lady Lakers finished 10-10-1 overall last season.
When Camdenton won, it did so with its defense. In their 10 wins, the Lady Lakes recorded six shutouts and didn’t allow more than one goal in the other four games.
“The girls played a tough schedule and continued to grow throughout the year,” Byington said. “I was proud of the tenacity that the girls had and the adversity that they overcame.”
Camdenton will miss its three graduated 2018 seniors: Grace Hall, Amber Wilson and Cassidy Kennedy.
Hall was a team captain last season and an “incredible person,” Byington said.
“Her leadership, attitude and work ethic helped develop her into one of the best captains and teammates throughout our program,” Byington said. “She won the team sportsmanship award and continues to text her teammates throughout this preseason.”
Wilson, a standout all-state golfer, joined the soccer team for the first time last season and became Camdenton’s starting goalkeeper.
“We will miss her never-quit attitude and she grew a lot last season, especially for her first year out on the team,” Byington said.
Kennedy brought an unselfish and team-first attitude.
“She was always thinking about the team above herself and helped lead the team each day,” Byington said. “She grew throughout her soccer career and is now excelling at Oral Roberts University. Her work ethic and leadership on and off the field was something that everyone learned from.”
Varsity newcomers to watch include senior Darby Roam and three freshmen.
Roam, who has also participated in track and basketball at CHS, will bring athleticism and depth to the team, Byington said.
The freshmen trio of Alli Johns, Natalie Gahn and Charlotte Kurtz will make an immediate and long-term impact.
All three already have significant soccer experience through club ball and will be in contention for varsity playing time.
“This year we will continue to build upon the foundation set and will continue to get better,” Byington said. “We are expecting to grow each game and make our best game our last game. Overall, we would love a district title and to make a solid run in the postseason.”
Camdenton begins the regular season March 15 at home against Bolivar.
